Toothbrush and toothpaste integral unit



Oct. 29, 1968 R. FIGA 3,408,150

TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE INTEGRAL UNIT Filed Feb. 25, 1966 Fl 6.9 Rubin Figo F!G.8 a 2 ATTORNEY,

//V VE N TOR.

United States Patent 3,408,150 TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE INTEGRAL UNIT Rubin Figa, 4 Bryant Crescent, White Plains, N.Y. 10605 Filed Feb. 25, 1966, Ser. No. 530,068 2 Claims. (Cl. 401-153) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A toothbrush having a bristle head mounted at one end of a hollow longitudinal element which opens into the bristles. A countersunk hollow support is on the other end of the hollow element to receive one end of a tube of toothpaste therein so the toothpaste can pass through the hollow element. A pair of pivotable arms are mounted each respectively in a notch in the support, the closed position of the arms against a positive stop provided by the notch being substantially parallel to the tube, and the open position as the arms swing out allowing access to the tube.

This invention relates to a novel toothbrush and is particularly concerned with an improved arrangement for combining a toothbrush and a toothpaste tube to provide an integral unit.

It has been known to combine toothpaste with a toothbrush. Such combinations have generally involved placing the toothpaste in the handle of the toothbrush. In one arrangement the toothpaste is extracted from the original container in which it is packaged and loaded into the handle of the toothbrush. However, this has not been satisfactory in use due to the inconvenience of transferring the toothpaste and the problem of squeezing out the toothpaste. If a collapsible tube of toothpaste is used as the handle, the tube gets smaller in use so that the handle becomes unsatisfactory. Moreover, where an unflexib le container for the toothpaste is used in the handle, then additional means are necessary to force the toothpaste out of the container, and this has been found to be unsatisfactory in practice. A further attempt with an unfiexible container was to place a collapsible toothpaste tube therein, but this becomes very difiicult to squeeze the tube as it gets smaller.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit in which a conventional toothpaste tube can be used with a solid handle support.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved toothbrush and toothpaste unit in which a conventional toothpaste tube can be fully collapsed and discharged by squeezing while providing a solid handle support.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit in which a conventional toothpaste tube can be used and support arms are provided around the tube.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit in which a conventional toothpaste tube can be used and pivotal support arms are provided around the tube.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit in which the bristle head can be rotated relative to the handle to provide the most effective cleaning orientation.

Still another object of the present invention is to 7 provide an integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit where-' 3,408,150 Patented Oct. 29, 1968 provide an integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit having a removable bristle head.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide an integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit having a removable bristle head that is slidable to a position preventing flow of toothpaste to the bristle head.

Still another object of the present invention is to in a collapsible tube can be repositioned with respect to the handle to permit maximum extraction of toothpaste therefrom and at the same time permitting the handle to rotate relative to the bristle head.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit that can be inexpensively manufactured, has novel sanitation features and is easily and efliciently operated and durable in use.

These and other objects will be apparent from the following description when read in connection with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit with a toothpaste tube not inserted there- FIG. 2 is an elevational view partly in section of the integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit with the handle arms in closed position, the bristle head in communication with the toothpaste, and the toothpaste tube in place;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the handle arms in open position and the bristle head opening in a noncommunicating position;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V--V of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a bristle head end view of the integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the bristle head end of the toothbrush and toothpaste unit with the bristle head removed;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken on line IX-IX of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the bristle head taken on line XX of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken on line XI-XI of FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 1 a support housing 10 is made out of plastic or metal or similar durable material. In the embodiment illustrated housing 10 is formed in a generally rectangular shape as shown in FIGS. 6- and 7 although such shape is not necessary to practice the invention and, for example, the housing may be square, round or other shape as long at is provides the support function for the bristle head structure and the handle arms to be described hereinafter.

Housing 10 has a longitudinal thickness less than its crosswise dimension and includes a countersunk bore 11 passing therethrough. The countersunk 11 on the bristle head side of the support housing 10 has a circular'opening 12 (see FIG. 6) of a size to allow the nozzlehead 14 of a conventional collapsible toothpaste tube 16 to loosely pass therethrough as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. At the toothpaste tube side of housing 10 bore 11 has a V circular opening 18 larger than opening 12. The bore 11 21 to complete the countersunk bore 11. The tapered passageway 22 and the passageway 20 are of a size to accommodate the top of thejconventional toothpaste tube 16 in a close fit as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

An elongated element 30 which can be formed of plastic, metal or similar durable'material is provided which when operably positioned to become part of the integral unit has a bristle head 31 at one end and abuts the support housing at itsother end. The elongated element 30 thereby provides a longitudinal extension from the support housing 10 to allow toothpaste to pass through to the bristle head 31 as will be explained hereinafter. Longitudinal element 30, 'as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, is circular in cross-section and has an external diameter at the end abutting the housing 10 that has substantially the same diameter as the diameter of passageway 20. A portion 32 of this end of element 30 extends with such diameter for a short distance, such distance being at least as great as the length of nozzle 14. Circular portion 32 may be knurled or'otherwise formed for a purpose to be explained hereinafter. At that circumference of portion 32 nearest the bristle head 31, element 30 tapers to a smaller diameter, first with a sharp taper 33 for a short distance, and then with a gradual taper 35 to the bristle head. This is clearly shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

Longitudinal element 30 has formed therein a central hollow portion or bore 34 extending longitudinally from the end abutting housing 10 to an area underneath the bristle head 21 where it smoothly connects with a bore 38 at right angles thereto. Bore 38 has an opening 40 that opens upwardly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, onto a flat portion 42 (also see FIGS. 8 and 9) formed at the end of element 30. Although portion 42 is illustrated as being flat, it could be curved or otherwise shaped as long as it provides a sliding fit with bristle head 31 as will be explained hereinafter. Accordingly, it is seen that longitudinal element 30 provides a conduit for toothpaste to flow from nozzle 14 along passageways 34 and 38 to be discharged onto the portion 42. The end of bore 34 abutting support 10 is enlarged and threaded of a size to threadedly receive nozzle 14 with its conventional tooth paste tube threads. The enlarged end of bore 34 is fol lowed by a taper 37 in the passageway 34, and the rest of passageways 34 and 38 is of constant diameter.

The formation of portion 42 can be effected by the addition of metal, plastic or similar durable material to extend outwardly from the bristle head end as shown in FIG. 9. Portion 42 as illustrated extends in a fiat plane slightly beyond the end of element 30 and is of a length approximately equal to a conventional bristle head. The upper part of portion 42 includes sides 44 and 46 having a slight taper (see FIG. 9) to provide a dove-tailed fit when bristle head 31 is slid thereon. As shown in FIG. 11, bristle head 31 has a notch 48 formed on the side opposite bristles 50. Notch 48 has tapered sides 52 and 54 that correspond with tapered sides 44 and 46 for the dove-tailed fit. Although a dove-tailed fit is illustrated in the disclosed embodiment, the invention is not limited thereto. It is possible, for example, to establish a sliding fit between head 31 and portion 42 by arcuate surfaces or keys and slots.

Bristles 50 extend from head 31 in a conventional manner, and a lateral hole 56 is formed in the center of head 31. Since bristle head 31 has a sliding fit with flat portion 42, it is clear that head 31 can be slid to a position where hole 56 is aligned with opening 40 so that toothpaste being forced through bore 34 will be discharged along the area of bristles 50. This aligned position is shown in FIG. 2. On the other hand, if discharge of toothpaste is not desired, bristle head 31 is slid to a different position, as shown in FIG. 3, where hole 56 is not aligned with opening 40.

. Itis possible to make the aligned position of hole 56 and opening 40 as a locking stop. This can be done by forming a protuberance in one of either head 31 or portion 42. A corresponding notchor depression is then formed in the other of either portion 42 or head 31 to receive the protuberance in locking position when the alignment is achieved. The protuberance can be formed of any durable material to give the locking engagement. For example, ,the materialmay be ofusufficient spring or elasticity so it can slide fronr the unlocked to the locked position shown in FIG.'-2 Whereit'will then act as a detent in the receiving depression; Another example would be the use of a biased detent'ball that would look in place in the depression. I

On two opposing sides of support housing 10 notches 60 and 62 are formed to each receive a respective end of arms 64 and-66. Arm 64is 'pivotally mounted in notch 60 by means of a pin 68 that extends into housing .10. Arm 66 is pivotally mounted in notch 62 by means of a pin 70'that extends into housing 10. The mounting of the pins 68 and 70 is shown in FIG. 7, but it is. within the scope of the invention when forming support housing 10 and the associated arms of plastic materialto mold the pins directly into either the housing or the armshArIIl 64 and 66' extend from housing 10 in the direction opposite from bristle head 31 and thereby provide a handle to be grasped when the integral unit is to beused for brushing the teeth. Each arm is shaped as an elongated lever and can be formed with the remote end thereof slightly enlarged with rounded edges. The enlarged end thereby provides a larger surface for the hand of the user to grasp. In addition, each arm is slightly bowed outwardly, as shown in FIG. 2, to facilitate the grasping during brushing. In FIG. 2 the arms 64 and 66 are showed in closed position wherein they abut the side surfaces 65 and 67 of notches 60 and 62. Surfaces 65 and 67 are parallel to the axis of the unit and provide a positive stop for the arms so they can move inwardly no farther. In this position the arms protect the toothpaste tube. from being accidentally squeezed and at the same time provide a handle to manipulate the brush. In FIG. 3 the arms 64 and 66 are shown in open position. In this position the toothpaste tube can be easily handled if it is to be removed and a new tube added. Also, in the open position of the arms the toothpaste tube is. easily squeezed and the tube completely collapsed and rolled up without. interference of the arms. It is to be emphasized that in the present invention by means of this novel arrangement, the toothpaste tube maybe completely collapsed and yet the arms will provide a full handle for grasping.

When the integral toothbrush and toothpaste unit is not in use, the bristle head 31 is slid to the non-aligned position of hole 56 and opening 40 (FIG. 3). This in effect caps the toothpaste tu-be since the toothpaste is not exposed to atmosphere. The toothpaste tube 16 is added by inserting the nozzle end into bore 11 so that nozzle. 14 passes through opening 12. -The enlarged end of bore 34 within element 30 is then fitted over nozzle 14 and threaded into full engagement as shown in FIG. 2. This hand threaded engagement is facilitated by aknurled or otherwise formed external circumference. of the end of element 30 nearest housing 10. For example, a splined, corregated or otherwise deformed surface can be provided. When it is desired to brushthe teeth, head 31 is slid into the aligned position of FIG. 2, and the correct position can be determined by a locking detent as described hereinbefore. Tube 16 is squeezed so that tooth: paste is forced along bore 34 through opening 40 into the bristle area. The arms are then placed in the position of FIG. 2 where they. abut surfaces65 and'67 of notches 60 and 62 to lock in place andbe substantially parallel to each other. The arms are then grasped as a handle by the user to brush the teeth. a I l It is to be pointed out that one of the most important advantages of the novel integral toothbrush and'tooth-v paste unit is'that-the arms 62 and 64 'always provide an adequate handle to be'grasped. Even when the tube of toothpaste is almost used up so that the end of the tube is rolled up to the position 74, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3, the handle is unchanged in use. In fact, the toothpaste tube can be completely removed, and the arms will still provide a handle as in a conventional toothbrush.

Another advantage of the novel unit is that it can be easily assembled and operated since it is necessary only to threadedly engage the toothpaste nozzle with the elongated member through the support housing and slide the bristle head to the desired position.

A further advantage of the novel toothbrush and toothpaste unit is that the longitudinal element (including the bristle head) and the attached toothpaste tube can be rotated as a unit relative to the support arms. By such arcuate movement the most comfortable position of the bristle head relative to the arms is selected by the user, and this selection will thereby provide the most effective cleaning orientation. It is to be noted that it is not possible in the prior art to provide this relative movement whereby the bristle head can be positioned in different relative positions with respect to the handle.

A still further advantage of this invention is the sanitary feature. In the prior art the toothpaste tube was often left uncapped or the cap would be lost, and this exposes the toothpaste to the atmosphere with its deleterious effect. In the present invention the toothpaste is always capped when not used as the bristle head is merely slid to the non-aligned position to close the toothpaste oil? from the atmosphere.

Although a preferred embodiment is 'illustrated in the drawings, the invention is not limited thereto as the various shapes and elements can be modified as long as a support element is provided for the arms to pivot on, and the toothpaste tube is positioned between the arms and connected through the support element to a hollow longitudinal element having a bristle head at the other end. Accordingly, the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated and described is to be considered illustrative only. The present invention includes such other modification and equivalents as may readily occur to those skilled in the art, within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A toothbrush having a hollow longitudinal element at one end of which a bristle head is mounted, and the other end of which is attachable to a support element, said support element adapted to have one end of a collapsible toothpaste tube mounted therein so that toothpaste can be forced through said longitudinal element for deposit on said bristle head, a pair of arms remotely spaced from each other and each mounted to extend from said support element on opposite sides of the toothpaste tube, the support member comprising a block having a countersunk opening extending therethrough, the large end of said opening receiving the discharge end of the toothpaste tube, and the threaded nozzle of the toothpaste tube projecting through the small end of the opening to non-slidably fit within one end of the longitudinal element, one end of each arm being pivotally mounted by means of a pin on opposite sides of said block to pivot outwardly and provide access to the toothpaste tube, and the pin mounting of each arm being formed in a notch in said block, the notch providing a surface parallel to the axis of the longitudinal element so that each of the pivotmg ends of said arms are in abutting contact with said surfaces, respectively, to provide a positive stop wherein said arms are substantially parallel to each other.

2. A toothbrush according to claim 1, in which each arm is curved outwardly with respect to the other so that when said arms are substantially parallel, their distal ends are further spaced from each other than the pivoted ends.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,192,668 7/1916 Miles 401-154 1,859,402 5/1932 Maher 401-152 2,527,741 10/ 1950 Lamonde. 2,592,099 4/1952 Ackerman 13284 FOREIGN PATENTS 458,730 3/1913 France.

LOUIS G. MANCENE, Primary Examiner.

R. PESHOCK, Assistant Examiner. 

